50 Tips and Hacks for Travelers in the Philippines After Arriving at the Airport:

Having landed in the Philippines, here are 50 tips to navigate the airport and kickstart your adventure:

Arrival Process (1-5):

1. Immigration: Queues can be long. Be patient and have your passport and visa documents (if needed) readily available.
2. Baggage Claim: Double-check the baggage claim carousel number for your arriving flight. Keep an eye on your belongings.
3. Customs: Declare all taxable items you brought in your customs declaration form. Green lane is for those with nothing to declare, red lane for those with declarable items.
4. Currency Exchange: Airport currency exchange rates might not be the best. Consider exchanging a small amount for immediate needs and exchanging the rest later in the city.
5. SIM Card: Purchase a local SIM card at airport booths for affordable calls and data. This is crucial for ride-hailing apps and navigation.

Getting Around (6-11):

6. Transportation Options: Depending on your destination, choose from taxis, metered vans, airport shuttles, or pre-booked car rentals.
7. Taxis: Look for the yellow-colored metered taxis. Agree on the fare before entering the taxi, especially for unmetered ones.
8. Ride-hailing Apps: Download and use ride-hailing apps like Grab for convenient and cashless transportation. Ensure you have internet connectivity or downloaded offline maps.
9. Airport Shuttles: Inquire about airport shuttles for pre-arranged transfers to specific hotels or areas.
10. Car Rentals: Consider car rentals for self-exploration if you have an international driver's license. Book in advance during peak season.
11. Public Transportation (limited): Some airports have limited public transportation options like buses or jeepneys. Research these beforehand if you're on a tight budget.

Communication (12-14):

12. Free Wi-Fi: Most airports offer free Wi-Fi. Connect to update loved ones or download offline maps if needed.
13. Local Calls: If you haven't purchased a local SIM card yet, consider buying a calling card for making local calls.
14. Basic Tagalog Phrases: Learn a few basic Tagalog phrases ("Mabuhay" - hello, "Salamat po" - thank you) to enhance your interaction with locals.

Luggage Storage (15-16):

15. Left Luggage Facilities: Some airports offer left luggage facilities if you have onward travel or want to explore the city luggage-free.
16. Hotel Storage: If your hotel allows luggage storage, consider leaving your luggage there if your check-in time is later.

Additional Services (17-20):

17. Currency Exchange: While it's better to exchange most currency outside the airport, small booths might be available for immediate needs.
18. ATMs: Locate ATMs to withdraw cash using your debit card. Be aware of withdrawal fees.
19. Information Counters: Inquire about tourist information, directions, or lost and found items at airport information counters.
20. Travel Insurance: Double-check your travel insurance details and emergency contact information.

Staying Comfortable (21-24):

21. Restrooms and Showers: Use airport restrooms to freshen up after your flight. Some airports may have shower facilities for a fee.
22. Charging Stations: Locate charging stations to recharge your electronic devices before heading out. Consider carrying a portable power bank.
23. Food and Drinks: Airport restaurants and cafes can be pricey. Consider packing snacks or buying affordable options before your flight.
24. Relaxation Areas: Find relaxation areas with comfortable seating to unwind after your flight, especially if you have a connecting flight.

Planning Your Itinerary (25-27):

25. Review Bookings and Confirmation: Double-check your hotel bookings, tours, and activity confirmations to ensure a smooth transition.
26. Download Offline Maps: If you haven't already, download offline maps of your destination city or island for easier navigation.
27. Public Transportation Apps: Consider downloading public transportation apps (if available) for navigating local buses or trains (limited in some areas).

Local Customs and Etiquette (28-31):

28. Dress Modestly: If you haven't changed yet, consider dressing modestly, especially if you're heading straight to a religious site. Cover your shoulders and knees when visiting churches or temples.
29. Respectful Behavior: Filipinos value respect. Be polite and courteous when interacting with airport staff and locals.
30. Queues: Filipinos tend to form single lines. Observe proper queuing etiquette and avoid cutting in line.
31. Bargaining: While bargaining is expected at flea markets, avoid haggling aggressively at the airport.

Staying Safe (32-35):

32. Valuables: Keep your valuables secure, especially in crowded areas. Consider using a money belt or a secure crossbody bag.
33. Beware of Scams: Be cautious of common scams like overcharging or fake tours. Research common scams to avoid them.
34. Emergency Numbers: Save emergency contact numbers for the police, ambulance, and tourist assistance hotline on your phone.
35. Lost and Found: Report any lost belongings to the airport's lost and found department.

Enjoying Your Trip (36-40):

36. Local Delicacies: If you haven't eaten yet, try local delicacies from airport food stalls or restaurants.
37. Relax and Enjoy: After navigating arrival procedures, take a moment to relax and get excited for your Philippine adventure!
38. Embrace the Culture: Be open to experiencing the rich Filipino culture through food, music, and interactions with locals.
39. Smile and Be Friendly: A friendly smile goes a long way in the Philippines. Filipinos appreciate positive and respectful travelers.
40. Enjoy the Moment: Capture memories with photos, but also be present and enjoy every moment of your Philippine adventure.

Planning for Departure (41-45):

41. Recheck Flight Information: Double-check your departure flight information a day before your flight, including departure time and terminal.
42. Souvenirs: Ensure your carry-on luggage meets size and weight restrictions. Pack fragile souvenirs in your checked baggage.
43. Currency Exchange: Convert any remaining Philippine pesos back to your desired currency before departure. Airport exchange rates might not be the best.
44. Tax Refund: If eligible, inquire about tax refund procedures for purchases made in the Philippines.
45. Airport Security: Arrive at the airport well in advance to avoid delays due to security checks.

Additional Tips (46-50):

46. Download Airport App: If available, download the official airport app for real-time flight information, terminal maps, and other helpful resources.
47. Tipping: While not mandatory, tipping airport service staff like porters is a nice gesture (around Php 50 per bag).
48. Feedback: Leave positive feedback for exceptional service providers (e.g., restaurants, airport staff) to contribute to the local tourism industry.
49. Review and Reflect: As you wait for your departure flight, take some time to reflect on your amazing Philippine journey.
50. Mabuhay Muli (Welcome Back): As you depart, say "Mabuhay Muli" (pronounced Ma-boo-high moo-lee) which means "welcome back" in Tagalog, hoping to return to the Philippines someday.

By following these tips and hacks, you can navigate the airport with ease, ensure a smooth transition into your Philippine adventure, and maximize your enjoyment from arrival to departure. Have a wonderful trip!